Persevere

Every night before Malachi and I turn out the lights and go to sleep, we both read. He is reading a book that I bought him a year ago (I think) and I am reading "Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife" (again) and a devotional as well. Last night the devotional was so good and SO appropriate for our lives and the lives of all Christians.

Here is what it says: Sunday ---- April 6

"BLESSED IS A MAN WHO PERSEVERES UNDER TRIAL."

JAMES 1:12 NASB

"Too many of us view our trials the way we watch television. Some televisions have a second channel in the corner of your screen that enables you to divide your focus and watch 2 programs at once. A lot of us try to superimpose our human viewpoint on the screen of God's will for our lives. God gives us a divine perspective, then we open up a second screen, a human one, and try to figure it all out. Don't waste your trials by trying to fit them into your limited vision and understanding or you'll end up frustrated. It's much better to trust God, rest in His wisdom and take Him at his word.

A spiritual perspective on your trials will keep you from buckling under the weight of them when times are hard. When you begin to look at your trials from God's perspective, your spirit is renewed and you're enabled to press on and receive what God has waiting for you. James writes, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the Crown of Life." Now the Crown of Life is not just something you receive in Heaven, you can enjoy it today. And who's it for? Those who "persevere." When God gives you this Crown, He's saying "You've passed another of life's tests, now you're ready for a new level of blessing." Remember the wonderful feeling you had when you passed some of your hardest tests in school? Don't get discouraged. God is up to something good. Keep going---don't stop until receive the Crown of Life."

(Taken from the KLOVE Daily Devotional)

This was just what I needed! God is most definitely in control, and when I try to take the reigns of my life things gets all crazy. Keeping the right perspective on life can combat this selfish desire to "take control". Also keeping the right perspective keeps us from blaming God for the trials we are facing. God is not the author or evil neither does He tempt us with evil. So we can relax and know that He is allowing the trials in our lives for OUR GOOD! (even if you don't think so) I hope this encourages you today!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <>< (SAHM)